Hello, Midnightstar1001,

My appendix burst when I was in my twenties. It was misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis.
Emergency surgery saved my life. I was never so sick in my life--nausea, vomiting, fever, couldn't straighten up. Toxic fluids throughout my body. Awful.

Forty some years later, I woke up one morning with a small bulge on my lower left abdomen. It made me feel full, bloated, mildly nauseous. Was diagnosed as an inguinal hernia. Had a laparoscopic repair with mesh at 70 years old. The repair weakened two other areas that suddenly seemed ready to herniate. My abdomen was severely compromised. I couldn't bear down for bowel movements. Became dependent on laxatives. Have had chronic constipation ever since (three years). Used red light therapy and exercise for three years to try to heal/strengthen the weakened areas. Not trying to scare you away from surgery, but sometimes hernias are not symptomatic, don't get worse or, if they do, progress very slowly. A second opinion could be very valuable.

Best of luck to you, my friend!